Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce Over $2 Million to Increase Health Care Access and Address Physician Shortage in Western Maryland

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md) announced $2,077,698 in federal funding (ARC) to increase access to health care services and address the physician shortage in Western Maryland. These investments - funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission - will support the Meritus Health Care Foundation in Hagerstown and the Western Maryland Health Care Corporations Mountain Laurel Medical Center in Grantsville.

The Meritus Health Care Foundation will receive $1,627,698 to purchase technology and simulation equipment for the new campus of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine in Hagerstown. These resources will help the school provide quality medical training to around 180 students annually and enhance their clinical skills. This funding comes amid the critical shortage of physicians in Western Maryland, which is negatively impacting health care access for residents across the region.

Western Maryland Health Care Corporation has been awarded $450,000 to renovate a recently acquired 8,000-square-foot facility in Grantsville to serve as the new location of the Mountain Laurel Medical Center. The new center will include a community pharmacy and diagnostic imaging services, and allow for increased health appointment availability. This project will enhance access to medical care for an estimated 2,500 patients in Western Maryland annually.

"Every Marylander deserves access to high-quality health care, but too often needed care can be hard to reach in our Western Maryland communities. These federal investments will help address critical health care challenges in Western Maryland and improve health care options available to residents for years to come," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Every single Marylander across our state deserves access to high-quality and accessible health care," said Senator Alsobrooks. "In Western Maryland communities, we are committed to increasing that access, and this federal investment is an important step towards that goal. It will have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on the region."

"Increasing affordable, accessible health care in our rural communities is crucial to driving better health outcomes in Western Maryland. This federal funding will go a long way in addressing our physician shortage and expanding and empowering our local health centers. Investment equals impact, and I look forward to working with local, state, and federal partners to continue delivering much-need resources to our rural communities," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

This investment is provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The lawmakers support robust funding of the program in order to invest in critical projects across Western Maryland.